Turn-Around Tuesday – Old Age Is An Excuse!

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 12:4–5, ESV)

 

Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Some people love to use their age as an excuse out of the will of God for their lives. We hear it all the time. “”I’ve put in my time, let the young people do it!” Such an attitude permeates the hearts of many men and women who, instead of finishing well are finishing poorly.

Laziness is a character trait that being older cannot erase. God calls whom He will, when He will, for what He wills. He has little respect for the easy chair recliner and the person who is more interested in selfishness that service.

So, Abram at 75 and Sarai at 65 pack up everything and everyone and trudge out of Haran headed to only God knows where. While this must have led to many interesting discussions throughout the household, when we stop for a moment we realize we should be able to relate. After all, aren’t we on a journey of faith as well? Or are we?

God has called each one of us to “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV) And, therein may lay the problem today. If we haven’t lived a life of faith for decades, it would be near impossible to do so at an old age, wouldn’t it? I mean, we are probably familiar with the old cliché, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Abram shows us that the life of faith must be something we embrace daily. We must choose to do what God had declared – now. There are no tomorrows when it comes to the commands of today. God looks for those who obey. And to those who obey God gives abundant life … albeit in the midst of an incredible adventure as well.

As you think through these thoughts today, let me press you to ask the hard question right now. “Am I actually walking by faith or am I clearly walking by sight?” Do you choose to step out and trust the One who knows the future or do you play it safe? Trusting God means risk!

 

Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.

 

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Magnificent Marriage Monday – Your Wife, Your Life Are Precious To the Lord!

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And I will require a penalty for your lifeblood; I will require it from any animal and from any human; if someone murders a fellow human, I will require that person’s life. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed, for God made humans in his image.” (Genesis 9:5–6, CSB)

 

I will require a penalty for your lifeblood. While we take so much for granted these days, we should never take the sanctity of the life of our husband or wife lightly. God has a death penalty in place for those who would abuse and take the life of our spouse. He treasures them very highly, as should we.

When we think of how precious the life of our life companion is to God, it causes us to pause and ponder how we can honor this one whom God has united us with. How can we adore them and value them with the depth of importance God has placed on them?

Honor is a river that flows in abundance once released. From honor come love, devotion, and adoration. We prize, value, treasure and cherish our “other half” each day as a result of our respect for them. But how would we put such esteem into daily practice?

God surely wants us to hold our spouses in high value. That would start with the overflow of our hearts as heard in both what we say and how we speak to our mate. As Jesus said about each one of us, “A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” (Luke 6:45, CSB)

Not only are our words powerful indicators of our feelings for our spouse, but so too are our actions. Just one look at our homes and we can tell whether we are honoring our spouse or not. As Solomon wrote so long ago, “Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of negligent hands the house leaks.” (Ecclesiastes 10:18, CSB)

Bringing honor to our partner is a daily thing. And, to be honest, whether it flows or not is as natural as it’s source: our hearts. So, today, take a little time to evaluate how you are doing when it comes to honoring your life partner. Check your words and their tone. Look at your actions and your diligence. Hold their life precious.

 

Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.

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Hope For Today – A New Year, A New Gear

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about expecting God to do far beyond all we can ask or imagine!

 

Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: EaglesInLeadership.org.

Just push the media button below to hear this encouraging message!

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Faith Filled Friday – A Half-Truth Faith

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”” (Genesis 20:1–3, ESV)

And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.”When fear grabs one’s heart, faith is no longer near. When God is near there is nothing to fear.  Fear causes us to lie, to shade the truth, to tell half or part of the truth and wrap the rest in deception.

Thus Abraham, the man of faith, reveals his weakness. He fears what others may do to him. We all have certain places where our faith can falter more easily. When we come up against certain people or situations, we struggle with holding firmly to our trust of God.

We ask ourselves in the deep recesses of our soul, “Will God take care of me here?” Does He love me that much?” And then comes the inevitable feelings that we are so undeserving. God won’t care for us. And while we do not deserve the mercies of God, THAT is what motivates God to act for us when life is beyond our control, which is pretty much all the time.

So, Abraham fears what might happen – that he, his family and all who are with him might be wiped out or enslaved. When questioned pointedly by King Abimelech, “Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.”“And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.”” (Genesis 20:10–12, ESV) While true, it was still a lie that he knew could help him.

And this is the point. A half-truth faith reflects a fear-filled heart. God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV) Our task is to trust God, tell all the truth in love, and let God work out the details. His mercies are new every morning. He loves us so much!

 

Faith Filled Fridays hope to boost your trust in God and accelerate your daring and courage in everyday life. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each encouragement out of a heart that has known both great joy and great loss – his wife of 38 years, 5 months and 2 days was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. Through every experience, God has proven Himself more than faithful and trustworthy. He welcomes your comments below.

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Train Them Thursday – The Blessed Life!

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”” (Luke 2:22–24, NASB95)

They brought Him up … to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Being a disciple doesn’t mean you will have a lot of money. Consider the requirement in the Law given to Moses after the customary forty days of purification for Mary was completed. “‘When the days of her purification are completed, for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the doorway of the tent of meeting a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.” (Leviticus 12:6, NASB95)

However, a whole lamb could be a financial hardship and for the young couple who had extended their stay in Jerusalem more than six weeks after their arrival for the census, Joseph was about broke. But God is gracious and had already thought about such a scenario 1,400 years before with the giving of the requirements for this ceremony:

“‘But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’ ”” (Leviticus 12:8, NASB95)

Being the earthly stepfather of Jesus should have come with an extensive benefits package and a generous salary, one would think. However, in a move that would shame a lot of contemporary theologians and preachers, we find no such prosperity for the family of the King of kings.

Jesus Himself would explain why three decades later when He said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, NASB95) Joseph and Mary, in those early days of Jesus’ life on earth, experienced the blessed life, the poor life. Perhaps you are blessed to follow Jesus today. Consider the company you’re in!

 

Train Them Thursdays seeks to wed the Great Commission directive of Jesus with the practice He employed while on Earth. Each nugget is meant to encourage the reader with a “can-do” spirit to realize that discipleship is something each person is both capable of and empowered to accomplish. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each thought and they flow out of decades of his tried and true field-testing in multiple settings from rural to inner city. He welcomes your comments below.

 

 

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Willing Worker Wednesday – Worthy Of the Cost!

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” (Matthew 2:1–2, HCSB)

 

Wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” If we are going to follow Jesus, it will cost us greatly. Consider these kings as our example.

If they came from the old Medo-Persian Empire, where Daniel had seeded the information about Judaism, bringing the Law, Poetry, and the writings of the Prophets (including his own) to the King’s advisors and wise men, then these men would had traveled over 1,200 miles to worship “the King of the Jews.”

When we think about travel in ancient times, the lack of any modern conveniences, the heat of the desert in the day and the chilling cold at night, the need to pack everything you need for the trip, not to mention the need for your own security services because of the dangers, just seeking to meet Jesus was very costly.

Cost is always a part of the narrative of following Jesus though. Time and again Jesus called people to the high cost of following him. For example, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26–27, HCSB)

While theologians and well-meaning preachers try to soften Jesus’ call for commitment, the fact is Jesus is either our King, and worthy to be willingly served, or He is not. The choice is ours.

Today, as you look deep into your soul, consider whether you are willingly paying the price to follow and serve Jesus. If these men felt that meeting Him as a babywas worth such a drastic price, how much more should we consider paying a greater pricefor following Him?

Now, break out in praise to the One to whom you are willing to follow and serve no matter the cost so that you can reach the lost!

Willing Worker Wednesdays are dedicated to explaining the core realities of servant leadership – the Biblical principles and methods used by God’s faithful people throughout time. They further reflect the lifestyle of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords as He walked on this earth announcing the Kingdom of God had arrived. These brief lessons are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his extensive ministry within the local church, in higher education, in church consulting and as a Biblical author and leader. He welcomes your comments below.

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Turn-Around Tuesday – Tragedies Are Often Stepping-Stones!

Posted on December 25, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran. Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 11:31–12:1, ESV)

 

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go.” Tragedies are often God’s stepping-stones for the release of His destiny in our lives! When life throws us its most difficult God frequently uses those situations as the launching point for a new, more abundant life.

Consider Abram’s life as our example. After the funeral of his beloved dad, God steps in. While he was at his weakest emotionally, wondering what’s next, God provided a most amazing offer. All it takes from Abram is everything. God called Abram to move, again.

What we miss in the Bible here is that Abram and his family has already moved some 5,000 miles to get to Haran! Without any modern conveniences, no hotels or motels, no swimming pools, no fast food or sit down restaurants, and no air-conditioned vehicles through the desert sun and heat, that must have been a difficult trip!

Now God was asking Abram to go who knows where, again! Just on God’s say so. And, as we know by reading ahead, Abram did go to only God knew where. Faith steps forward when God asks. When there is less to hold one, God often steps into the moment and asks us to trust Him for greater things.

He doesn’t talk about the difficulties to Abram, or to us for that matter. He speaks of the future, of the plan and gives him a vision of what God is up to. And the same is true in our lives. God will give a glimpse of the possible when we’re at the crossroads of, “More of the Same” vs. “The More Abundant Life.”

Of course, in the midst of our pain, our true natures come forth. Some of us will blame the pain when, in reality, it’s just the same old me rearing its ugly head. But for those of us who trust God despite the agony, leading with a, “Yes!” makes all the difference in the world!

 

Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.

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Magnificent Marriage Monday – With Marriage Comes Responsibility and Authority!

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear and terror of you will be in every living creature on the earth, every bird of the sky, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are placed under your authority.” (Genesis 9:1–2, CSB)

 

Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth … They are placed under your authority. With every, “I do,” there comes an, “I will do!” God always has a mission for every marriage, a charge for every couple. Those responsibilities are the everyday “stuff” of being married and they are what make a marriage magnificent!

Perhaps your mind’s eye can see, as mine does, the weeks after the ark was opened and the flood’s raging was but a memory. There, around the campfire each night, as the stories are told and retold, Noah and his wife, and the couples that are their children remain cloistered next to God’s security ship.

And as the weeks turn into months, God has noticed that they haven’t moved. They remain where the ark came to rest. And, who wouldn’t? That’s where their beds and home is. That’s where the security is. That’s where they’ve grown comfortable. But God isn’t into comfortable. He’s about the mission.

It’s not just a clever turn of a phrase these words, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” They create a mission of great magnitude and, to be perfectly honest, they carry with them a great risk.

The world is a big place – if you don’t believe me, try a trip to the other side in the new future. And God called them to disperse and dominate it! Hence, the explanation, “They are placed under your authority.” Such words can cause the heartiest of people nervousness.

Today, as you step into your day, let me ask you a simple question: What fruit have you produced recently as a couple? The passage here means children. Are you multiplying? (Remember math class and think multiples of the number two … four, six, eight, etc.) There’s plenty of room on the planet … just drive 500 miles inland and see what I mean! Dominate the world we live in by God’s authority!

God means for us to get busy! What’s keeping us cloistered?

 

Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.

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Hope For Today – Jesus, the Savior of All!

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about celebrating the real reason for the season: The Birth of Our Savior!

 

Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: EaglesInLeadership.org.

Just push the media button below to hear this encouraging message!

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Faith Filled Friday – When Someone Else’s Faith Rescues Us!

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.” (Genesis 19:27–29, ESV)

God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived. Have you ever wondered why God intervened in your life at that critical moment, the one where everything should have gone wrong? Yeah, so have I. And then I read this passage.

 It’s pretty obvious, even to the casual reader, that God rescued Lot because of Abraham’s trust in Him and not because of Lot’s faith. After all, Lot’s faith was virtually non-existent compared to Uncle Abraham. And yet, when the morning came, Lot was alive because God has a huge respect for Abraham.

But pull back for a moment. In a time long before cell phones, instant messaging and television news services, Abraham didn’t know Lot was alive. All he could do was wonder. He knew that his aggressive negotiations were for nothing. While Abraham was banking on the faith of Lot to bring some people to God, he now realized again that Lot was more interested in himself than others.

As the smoke rose over the valley, all Abe could do was ponder and pray. He knew God was merciful. Now he had to depend on that fact. And across the burning plains, Lot was alive, thanks to the deep, close personal relationship Abraham had with God by faith.

While many teach that God looks at all people the same, the Bible doesn’t entertain such a fantasy when it comes to faith. Either we have it or we don’t. And what we have can be greater or less, depending on whether we are in the Word of God or not (See Romans 10:17).

Greater faith moves God’s heart and hand to do amazing things, despite the lethargy of a family whose faith is weak and feeble. Today I encourage you to deepen your trust of God by obeying Him immediately and completely. Abraham did and rescued Lot by faith!

 

Faith Filled Fridays hope to boost your trust in God and accelerate your daring and courage in everyday life. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each encouragement out of a heart that has known both great joy and great loss – his wife of 38 years, 5 months and 2 days was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. Through every experience, God has proven Himself more than faithful and trustworthy. He welcomes your comments below.

 

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